That First Little Smile

That first little gummy smile is pure magic. Maybe it’s because they’re so tiny, perhaps it’s because they chose to smile at us first. Regardless, a baby’s smile is precious! Soon enough, it’s time for the teeth to break through the gumline and their official smile begins to form.

Throughout life, we go through two sets of teeth. That gummy smile turns into a mouth full of baby teeth, also known as milk teeth. These typically appear around 6 months old. These tiny ones tend to fall out between the ages of 6 and 12. Next come the adult teeth, also known as permanent or secondary teeth. These are the ones you will have for the rest of your life.

So what are all the teeth called? And what are they each specifically for? 

Incisors

Both adults and children have four incisors on the top and the bottom. These are those very front teeth that you see when you smile. These are the ones you use to bite and cut into foods. Think of the tooth marks left behind after biting into an apple. Those are your incisors! 

Understanding Canines

On either side of the incisors are your canines. These are the pointed teeth, made specifically to tear food. These are also the teeth you might think of when you imagine a vampire. Both adults and children have two on top and two on the bottom.

The Role of Molars

Molars are a little different between kids and adults. After all, those tiny smiles don’t have enough space just yet! Children have four on top and four on the bottom, while adults have six on top and bottom. Adults also have a special molar, called premolars. The premolars rest between the canines and the molars in the back.

Molars are known as the largest teeth in our mouths, and they are made specifically for grinding food. You know when you took a bite that was a bit too big, and then had to spend an eternity chewing it down to an acceptable level? That’s the job of the molars!

When do these teeth erupt?

Each time your little one shows signs of being grumpy, it’s pretty common that a parent will spend time on Google hunting for the exact reason. Is it a cold? Is it time for yet another tooth? Now, we don’t recommend too much research, as we’ve all gone down that morbid rabbit hole of no return. So next time, start by consulting a tooth eruption chart to help navigate the ever-changing teething timeline and avoid sending yourself into unnecessary panic.

These adorable baby teeth fall out around 6 years old. This magical tooth-fairy time can last until they are around 12!

How to Care for Different Types of Teeth

There are some basic things that are needed to care for all of those teeth. First, be sure to brush twice a day for 2 minutes each time! This both gives the toothpaste time to work its magic and ensures you have the time to get each one sparkly clean. Don’t forget to floss at least once a day! When it comes to ensuring your child can brush their own teeth, it’s perfectly okay to continue helping them out, or simply supervise. This is suggested until at least age 6.

There is one important step to maintaining all teeth that is often overlooked, and that is coming to see us at We Make Kids Smile. We help keep an eye out for any potential issues. The goal is to prevent problems, after all. So let us be that partner in your child’s oral health! Don’t worry, our goal is to make dental visits fun!

Because every set of teeth is a little different, some require more TLC than others. You might have to spend a little extra time getting those back molars or flossing between those tighter ones. Each mouth is different, so where you spend that extra time can differ from someone else. Don’t be afraid to ask us for suggestions on how to ensure you’re getting every tooth clean!

Time to make those smiles the best they can be!

When it comes to regular dental cleanings, the goal is to monitor the health and growth of your child’s teeth. If there are any signs of cavities, we can work on this issue before it gets out of hand. If a tooth looks as though it’s going to come in wonky, we can make a game plan in advance. That way, there are no surprises, and we can keep those dental appointments comfortable and fun.

If you don’t already have your child’s next dental cleaning on the calendar, now is the perfect time to jump online and request an appointment! We look forward to helping those little smiles be the best that they can be!